The University of Ibadan has won the International Law Association of Nigeria Branch 2025 interschool debate competition on the theme: “Fostering Trade and Investment integration for Sustainable Development: The Role of International Law”.
The University of Ibadan’s team comprised of Chineke Ugochukwu and Bamidele Olatunji, recent graduates of the Faculty of Law, as well as Zainab Olaniyan, a 400 level Law student.
The correspondent of the Law Press Organisation speaking to Mr. Bamidele Olatunji, one of the team members on how the competition was conducted, he said that the competition involved three rounds.
“The International Law Association (ILA), Nigerian Branch, organized an interschool debate competition, which involved about 19 participating institutions across the country. After two competitive virtual preliminary rounds, only four schools advanced to the final stage. The finalists were; the University of Ibadan, Afe Babalola University, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Elizade University.”
The grand finale was held during the 8th Annual Conference of the ILA Nigerian Branch on April 9 and 10, 2025, at the Alfa Belgore Hall, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. After the final round of debate, the University of Ibadan secured first place with a cash prize of 100,000 Naira, while Afe Babalola University and Elizade University won second and third places, respectively.
Upon the victory, the team representing the University of Ibadan was invited to the Presidential Dinner & Awards night with dignitaries in attendance: Aare Afe Babalola, CON. OFR. SAN, Prof. Damilola S. Olawuyi SAN (President, ILA Nigerian Branch), Hon. Babouccarr Ousmalia Joof (Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Gambia), Muna Jallow (CEO, Africa Agenda Network & Gambia National Chair of Women Leaders Network), Mr. Ibrahim Musa Mohammed (Head, Litigation and Research Division, NESREA), Mark Mordi, SAN (Partner, Aluko & Oyebode), Uche Val Obi (Managing Partner, Alliance Law Firm Nigeria) and, Dayo Apata, SAN (Hon. Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of Ekiti State).
Finally, the correspondent asked Mr Bamidele Olatunji how he feels winning the competition. Complimenting the university of Ibadan, he said:
“The University of Ibadan is well-known for its public speaking prowess, and I’m glad this competition was no exception. More importantly, I’m glad it served as an opportunity to make a significant mark within the International Law Association…”
He further expressed his appreciation in having gotten the chance to meet with distinguished individuals in the international community.
